South Carolina Childcare Crisis Meets Proven Solution: Local Nonprofit Leads Workforce Development

Columbia, South Carolina Aug 28, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Contact:
Shawntel Green, Nonprofit Founder
Early Education Career Institute
Phone: (833) 467-9997
Email: [email protected]

South Carolina Childcare Crisis Meets Proven Solution: Local Nonprofit Leads Workforce Development Through DOL-Registered Apprenticeships

EECI Receives $250K in Combined Federal and State Funding to Address Critical Early Childhood Education Workforce Shortage

As South Carolina faces a mounting childcare workforce crisis, Early Education Career Institute (EECI), a Columbia-based nonprofit, is demonstrating that apprenticeship programs offer the most effective solution to building sustainable early childhood education careers.

With over 20 years of proven success, EECI has secured significant funding through multiple streams to directly address workforce shortages affecting families across the state.

COMPREHENSIVE FUNDING SUCCESS

EECI's multi-faceted funding approach demonstrates strong federal and state confidence in apprenticeship solutions:

Fiscal Year 2024-25 Achievements:
- $170,000 awarded through local apprenticeship funds via ABA funding, overseen by Apprenticeship Carolina and DOL, specifically designated for tuition support and Related Training Instruction to build highly qualified workers and earn stackable credentials

National Recognition:
- $80,000 awarded through National Incentive funding via federal intermediary WRMA, supporting translation services, curriculum development, and direct apprentice incentives for supportive services

Note: While recent DOL budget cuts have affected some funding streams, EECI's diversified approach ensures continued program delivery.

PROVEN RESULTS ADDRESSING WORKFORCE CRISIS

"While others talk about the childcare shortage, we're actively solving it," said Shawntel Green, EECI Nonprofit Founder. "Our apprenticeship model doesn't just fill positions it creates career pathways that retain workers and elevate the entire profession."

EECI's impact speaks through measurable outcomes:
- 88% program completion rate compared to traditional training programs
- 100% job placement for all graduates
- 300 active apprentices currently enrolled in US DOL Registered Apprenticeship program
- 150+ new childcare slots created through workforce development efforts
- $15K-$88K salary progression for program graduates

COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE SOLUTION

As a US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador and registered intermediary, EECI offers multiple pathways for childcare programs struggling with staffing:

For Childcare Centers:
- Mobile CDA Prep Programs EECI brings training directly to your facility
- Staff retention support through professional development pathways
- WIOA funding assistance and intake process support
- Flexible scheduling to minimize operational disruption

For Individual Workers:
- Weekly registration opportunities at Columbia hub location
- Online learning options for remote accessibility
- "Rev Up the Workforce" affordable CDA preparation at $65
- Bilingual support for English as Other Language learners

SUSTAINABLE FUNDING SOLUTIONS

EECI's strategic funding partnerships ensure continuous workforce development support:
- WIOA eligibility through ETPL registration
- DOL intermediary status for ongoing apprenticeship funding
- State workforce development partnerships
- Apprenticeship Carolina collaboration
- Federal intermediary relationships through WRMA

ADDRESSING ROOT CAUSES, NOT JUST SYMPTOMS

Unlike temporary workforce solutions, EECI's apprenticeship model addresses systemic issues:
- Stackable credentials including CDA certification, 21 college credits, and federal apprenticeship credentials
- Career advancement pathways that retain workers long-term
- Comprehensive support services including transportation, childcare, and translation assistance
- Community-centered approach that builds local expertise

STATEWIDE IMPACT POTENTIAL

Currently serving participants across South Carolina, Indiana, Nebraska, and Michigan, EECI is positioned for rapid expansion to meet South Carolina's urgent needs. The organization's proven model with tribal and rural communities demonstrates adaptability to diverse populations.

"Every week we delay implementing apprenticeship solutions, more families lose access to quality childcare," Green emphasized. "We have the infrastructure, experience, and funding pathways ready to scale immediately."

CALL TO ACTION FOR CHILDCARE PROGRAMS

Childcare centers, Head Start programs, and early learning facilities facing staffing challenges can contact EECI immediately for:
- Free consultation on workforce development strategies
- WIOA funding application support and intake assistance
- Customized training program development
- Staff retention and advancement planning

IMMEDIATE NEXT STEPS

Childcare programs and individuals interested in career advancement can:
- Register for weekly classes at EECI's Columbia hub
- Schedule mobile training for their facility
- Apply for WIOA funding support with EECI assistance
- Join the "Rev Up the Workforce" affordable CDA program at $65

Contact EECI today:
- Phone: (833) 467-9997
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.tipsforchildcare.com
- Program Information: www.eceapprentice.com

"South Carolina's childcare crisis demands immediate, proven solutions. EECI's apprenticeship model isn't experimental it's delivering results now. The question isn't whether apprenticeships work, but how quickly we can scale them statewide." Shawntel Green, EECI Founder

ABOUT EARLY EDUCATION CAREER INSTITUTE

Founded in 2003, EECI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization specializing in early childhood education workforce development. As a US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship provider and Apprenticeship Ambassador, EECI maintains partnerships with state workforce agencies, tribal communities, and childcare organizations nationwide. The organization is ETPL-registered, enabling WIOA funding access for qualifying participants.